Knowledge for a New Year

Did you know that “Respect” by Aretha Franklin was originally recorded by Otis Redding? Did you know that “TCB” in the chorus stands for “Taking Care (of) Business”?

Did you know that forgiveness can make you happier? According to Psychology Today, “Many studies have shown that people who forgive are happier and healthier than those who do not. Holding on to grudges can harm your health by acting as a chronic stressor. If you are unforgiving, you get a burst of the stresshormone cortisol every time you think about the offending event. Ruminating about the harm that’s been caused can raise your blood pressure and put a strain on your heart. Over the long-term, this can make you more vulnerable to disease and take attention away from maintaining your health and happiness in the present. You may also become less likely to trust and engage with other people who can bring you love and pleasure.”

Did you know that humble leaders are better leaders? Bradley Owens, author of a study published in the Academy of Management Journal, explained (Owens et al., 2011): “Leaders of all ranks view admitting mistakes, spotlighting follower strengths and modeling teachability as being at the core of humble leadership. And they view these three behaviors as being powerful predictors of their own as well as the organization’s growth.”

Did you know that determination and “grit” are a great predictor of student success? A study published by psychologist Angela Duckworth noted, “One characteristic emerged as a significant predictor of success. And it wasn’t social intelligence. It wasn’t good looks, physical health, and it wasn’t IQ. It was grit.”

As important as accumulating knowledge is in school, it’s not the only task ahead of students. In the coming months, use the Big Idea value words to teach important and critical skills for their future. Learning to repeat the Big Idea and its application/definition is the first step, but moving students through the process of becoming and living out the values is much more involved, but it certainly will make them better at whatever they do.